Broadway on the High Seas: Iceland

Sailing roundtrip from Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, we visited the fjörds, volcanos, geysers, and waterfalls of Iceland’s majestic natural landscape. Playbill Travel brought the best of Broadway to the edge of the Arctic Circle amongst the comfort of Ponant’s five-star expedition yacht, Le Soléal, from July 3-July 10, 2018.

A land of extremes perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland boasts a range of wild and ruggedly beautiful landscapes where wind, stone, fire, and ice mingle. Here, the volcanoes, geysers, fjörds, and wild expanses create a unique, surreal atmosphere. Playbill Travel and the brightest stars of Broadway sailed aboard Ponant’s five-star expedition yacht Le Soléal on a comprehensive exploration of this magical island. From Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, we sailed the rugged fjörds of northwest Iceland; we saw the fabulous wildlife and Atlantic puffin in colonies on Grimsey Island; we visited the small Icelandic town of Akureyri before venturing to nearby Lake Myvatn and the astonishing Godafoss waterfall; and we visited Heimaey Island, home to the infamous Eldfell volcano. We experienced the natural phenomena of this wild, romantic island in the comfort and safety of the Le Soléal, a 264-guest vessel carefully designed to offer the highest standards of luxury, safety, and ecologically sound cruising in the world’s remotest regions.

Ports of Call

Broadway on the High Seas: Iceland sailed roundtrip from Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, from July 3-10, 2018; guests visited the fjörds, volcanos, geysers, and waterfalls of Iceland’s majestic natural landscape. As always, Playbill Travel brought the best of Broadway to the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Reykjavik (Hafnarfjördur)

Our voyage began in the world’s most northerly capital, the epicenter of Icelandic culture and the gateway to the island’s natural wonders.

The small city of Akureyri was the perfect jumping off point for a variety of outdoor activities. Guests witnessed the astonishing Godafoss waterfall, unwound in the Myvatn Nature Baths, and experienced the local cuisine with a gourmet tasting tour.

Reykjavik (Hafnarfjördur)

DEPART at 09:00 PM on Tuesday, July 03, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

Our voyage began in the world’s most northerly capital, the epicenter of Icelandic culture and the gateway to the island’s natural wonders. We had a wide range of excursions available, from discovering the city by kayak to unwinding at the nearby natural hot springs.
The attractive harbor city of Hafnarfjördur is located just a few kilometers from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. Arriving by sea, guests saw fishing boats moored in Hafnarfjördur’s bays and volcanic rocks. Hafnarfjördur is built on an ancient field of lava flow. In the town center, basalt rocks point you in the direction of the historic houses of Sivertsen and Siggubær. Their interiors and period furniture bring old Iceland back to life before your very eyes. Not far from there are a spectacular coastal walk and warm geothermal pools.

Shore Excursions in Reykjavik (Hafnarfjördur)

Shore Excursions

Bathing in the Blue Lagoon

Countless Craters - A Helicopter Tour

Fire & Ice, Volcano & Glacier

Let’s Go Volcano!

Icelandic Viking Trails

Grundarfjördur

ARRIVE at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 04, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell Mountain, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Grundarfjördur is home to some of the most breathtaking natural splendor Iceland has to offer. Guests discovered the region through a magical glacier hike, whale watching expeditions, or explores the Vatnshellir cave (the exact location Jules Verne based his famous novel Journey to the Center of the Earth). Arriving by boat meant some guests got a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay. Grundarfjördur lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty; crystal clear waters, tundra, and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breidafjördur Bay.

Shore Excursions in Grundarfjördur

Shore Excursions

Caves, Craters and Coves

Lava Trails and Viking Tales

Viking Sushi Adventure

Puffins Galore!

Sea-Angling and Birdwatching

Akureyri

ARRIVE at 07:00 AM on Friday, July 06, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

The small city of Akureyri was the perfect jumping off point for a variety of outdoor activities. Guests witnessed the astonishing Godafoss waterfall, unwound in the Myvatn Nature Baths, and experienced the local cuisine with a gourmet tasting tour. The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjördur fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colors—blue waters in the harbor, bronze mountain ash on the squares, and brightly-colored houses in the historical center. As we walked along the cobbled streets, guests came across rows of terraces with wooden furniture where you can sit and try some delectable cream donuts with a cup of coffee. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads you up to the emblematic feature of the town, the Akureyrarkirkja church. Some guests were amazed by the very beautiful botanical garden made possible by a microclimate.

Shore Excursions in Akureyri

Shore Excursions

Lake Myvatn / Jewels of the North with lunch

Myvatn Nature Baths

Taste of Akureyri – Culinary Coastline

Fjords & Herring

Isafjördur

ARRIVE at 07:00 AM on Saturday, July 07, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

This enchanting stopover is located on the Westfjords peninsula. As we explored this vast fjord by boat we came to Isafjördur, built at the foot of the high volcanic plateau. Even in the town center, nature is all-encompassing, because the streets are either overlooked by mountains or open onto the banks of the fjords. The historical district has picturesque houses of contrasting colors. The oldest date from the 17th century. Some guests saw one of them inside by visiting the Maritime Museum, which focuses on the nautical history of Isafjördur. Excursions included calm fjord kayaking and a visit to the nearby fishing village of Sudureyri.

Shore Excursions in Isafjördur

Shore Excursions

Arctic Foxes & Avalanches

Hesteyri & Glacier fjord

Calm Fjord Kayaking

Savour the Flavour of Sudureyri

Horses, Hot Springs and Countryside Culture

Heimaey

ARRIVE at 12:30 PM on Sunday, July 08, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

Heimaey Island, seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann Islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Eldfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer the rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfdi road, some guests looked out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic Ocean. Some visited Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption Heimaey experienced in 1973.

Shore Excursions in Heimaey

Shore Excursions

Volcano Hiking Tour

Heimaey Island tour

Circumnavigation of Heimaey

Rib (Rigid Inflatable Boat) Safari

Reykjavik (Hafnarfjördur)

ARRIVE at 07:00 AM on Monday, July 09, 2018DEPART on Tuesday, July 10, 2018

*All itineraries and destinations are subject to change.

Arriving back in Reykjavik, guests had a greater opportunity to explore the world’s northernmost capital city and take advantage of the plethora of inclusive excursions available through Ponant.